Judge Douglas Herndon – For Supreme Court

Respected Leadership. Trusted by the Community.

About Judge Douglas Herndon

One of the finest and most respected judges on the bench today, Judge Douglas Herndon was originally appointed in 2005 by the late Governor Kenny Guinn.

He is currently the Chief Judge of the court’s Homicide Case Team, having created the team in 2017 to best serve the people of Nevada by providing better judicial oversight in the 8th Judicial District Court System’s most serious cases, and previously served as the Chief Judge of the court’s Criminal Division from 2010-2017.

One of the court’s hardest working judges, Judge Herndon is consistently one of the top judges in terms of time spent in trial and was given the highest performance score of any district court judge from the Review Journal’s 2019 Judging the Judges survey.

Prior to serving on the bench, Douglas Herndon enjoyed a 14-year career in the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, the last nine years of which were spent as the Chief Deputy District Attorney in charge of the Special Victim’s Unit.

Community Involvement

Outside of the courtroom, Judge Herndon has been extremely active in our community, volunteering his time and service to help improve the lives of our neighbors.

Rape Crisis Center, Advocacy Training Course Instructor
The Meadows School, Board of Trustees
Shade Tree Shelter, Volunteer
The Promise P.A.C.K., Volunteer
UNLV, Guest Lecturer
UNLV Law School, Mock Trial Judge
Bishop Gorman High School, Mock Trial Team Consulting Judge
Annual Law Day Presentation Lecturer, Various Schools
Community College of Southern Nevada, Guest Lecturer
Nevada Child Seekers, Advisory Board Member
Youth League Coach, various youth sports teams

News & Events

Letters to the editor

Inspired by judge’s words
Inspiration often comes from the most unlikely of circumstances. I was completely taken by the eloquence of Judge Douglas Herndon’s words during the sentencing hearing of Darren Mack. Though I only heard parts of it, his word rejuvenated my faith in the system; truly as I was listening I realized how very long it had been since such words of integrity and dedication to public service had graced my ears. He was often not speaking specifically of this case, rather in generalities that explained how he perceived his authority as a judge.

Guinn names Herndon district judge

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU CARSON CITY — Douglas Herndon, chief deputy district attorney for the special victims unit in Clark County, has been named district judge by Gov. Kenny Guinn. Guinn made the announcement Tuesday with Herndon, 41, that he will succeed Ron Parraguirre, who was elected to the Nevada Supreme Court.

EDITORIAL: Watkins, Herndon, Johnson, Crockett for District Court

Clark County voters will decide 28 judgeships this fall, 15 in District Court and 13 in Family Court. The roadside campaign signs for these races, which line entire city blocks across the valley, are reminders of the importance of the judiciary, and the importance of electing qualified, experienced candidates to the bench.

Team of homicide judges aims to speed up cases in Las Vegas

In an effort to accelerate the sometimes-slow wheels of justice, a team of four Clark County judges will oversee almost all murder cases starting this week. With a growing list of more than 300 defendants charged with murder, Clark County District Court has launched a program to funnel the most serious trials into what has

Women reign supreme – Historic female majority a milestone on Nevada’s high court

For the first time in Nevada history, more women than men are at the helm of the state’s highest court. The two newest Nevada Supreme Court justices, both women, were sworn in Monday, giving women a 4-3 majority on the court. “It’s about time,” Miriam Shearing, the state’s first female Supreme Court justice, told the

The complete 2019 Judicial Performance Evaluation results

EDITORIAL: Judicial survey a valuable tool for local voters

Southern Nevada voters won’t head to the polls for a general election until next November, but it’s wise to stay educated about potential issues and candidates. While information on those seeking national and statewide office is often readily available, voters have far fewer resources when it comes to down-ticket contests, particularly judicial races.

Clark County judge to run for open seat on Nevada Supreme Court

Veteran Clark County District Judge Douglas Herndon has announced he will run for the Nevada Supreme Court seat being vacated by Mark Gibbons. Gibbons, currently the longest serving member of the court, has announced plans to retire when his term expires at the end of 2020. Herndon has served as a district judge since his

Judge Douglas Herndon to run for Nevada Supreme Court

Clark County District Judge Douglas Herndon announced Wednesday that he will run for the Nevada Supreme Court in 2020. He’ll be vying for the seat left open after Chief Justice Mark Gibbons announced he will not seek re-election when his term ends in January. Herndon, 55, has served on the District Court since 2005, when he was

One of Us

Judge Herndon is an extremely active member of our community. From his time on the bench to this work with local organizations, Judge Herndon is committed to engaging his neighbors, his friends and all of those he serves.